I am trying to locate a place in Italy based on an entry in the 1851 census for England.The entry is for a Thomas SMITH, who was living in Honiton, Devon. The entry appears to show his birthplace as a Ponsana, Italy.

I cannot find such a place, I suspect that either the pronunciation was incorrect at the time or the enumerator spelt it the best way he could. So Ponsana could be Ponsama or Pontana?? Any suggestions welcomed.

(The subsequent census entries for 61, 71, 81 etc only show his birthplace as being Italy with no place or town).

The only references I've got for him are under the name Thomas SMITH. He may be in the 1841 census but I have not found him. He appears for the first time in the mid 1840s in Taunton, and then in 1851 he has two sons - Antonio and Corley - both born in England.

His father's name may be John or alternatively Matthew SMITH, occupation Farmer.

He is however consistent in all his UK census entries in claiming to have been born in Italy.

Thank you to those who have so kindly provided me with sugestions.At least I have some options to explore.

(I'm not sure of my next steps in terms of trying to contact the relevant towns or communes, however I assume there will be enough advise/guidance elsewhere within this website for me to figure that out).